Can police pull you over in NC for not wearing a seat belt? What the law says

You’ve probably seen reminders about wearing your seat belt on television commercials and roadside billboards.

The state of North Carolina made it mandatory for drivers and passengers to wear seat belts in 1985, according to the N.C. Department of Transportation.

Can police pull you over for not wearing a seat belt? What are the penalties for not buckling up?

Here’s what to know about North Carolina’s safety restraint rules.

Who has to wear a seat belt in the car?

All drivers and passengers are required to use seat belts in North Carolina, according to state law G.S. 20- 135.2A.

“All drivers and passengers age 16 and older must wear their seat belts in both the front and back seats,” says BuckleUpNC, a partnership between the UNC Highway Safety Research Center and North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program.

State law also “requires that drivers with passengers younger than 16 years old ensure that such passengers are secured in a seat belt or child passenger restraint system,” Raleigh-based law firm Hardison & Cochran said.

The only exceptions include:

• People with medical or physical conditions that make restraint a problem
• Rural letter carriers
• Delivery drivers
• Passengers in the back of RVs or motor homes
• Vehicles with a farm license plate

The state defines a highway as any publicly maintained street.

Can police pull you over for not wearing a seat belt?

Yes, police in North Carolina can pull you over for not wearing a seat belt, even if it’s not the primary reason for the stop, according to the Henderson-based Baskerville & Baskerville law firm.

“Any road violation like speeding, expired tags, no seat belt, or window tint issue could result in you being pulled over,” the law firm said on its website.

Do pets have to wear seat belts?

North Carolina law does not say pets must be restrained while riding in a vehicle.

However, drivers are encouraged to “secure all loose items in their car, including pets,” according to the North Carolina Department of Safety.

Can I get a ticket for not wearing a seat belt?

Violating North Carolina law by not wearing a seat belt can result in a fine of up to $180 according to NCDOT.

Failing to properly restrain a child under 16 results in a fine of $266.

“That doesn’t include the potential cost of a lost life,” NCDOT says.

This story was originally published June 11, 2025 at 3:30 PM.